Saturday 4 January 1851

KILLED IN ACTION with the Kaffirs in the neighbourhood of Fort Hare, on 29th December 1850, Lieut. and Adjutant John GORDON, 91st Regt, whilst discharging his duty as a Christian soldier.
His last act was one of kindness to a wounded brother Officer. In life he adorned his religious profession by every social and domestic virtue, and his bereaved family lament the loss of a most affectionate husband and kind father.

Saturday 11 January 1851

Mrs. KNOWLEs begs to inform the inhabitants of Graham's Town that it is not her intention to relinquish the School, as has been reported, and takes this opportunity of thanking those friends who have kindly placed their children under her care. Mrs. K. has vacancies for four Pupils. The School will re-open on the 14th instant.

MARRIED by the Rev, J, Edward, Wesleyan Minister, on Wednesday 1st January 1851 at the residence of Mr. J.T. LEPPAN, Somerset East, David Edmund, eldest son of Mr. D. HOBSON of Zwarte Ruggens to Harriet, fifth daughter of Mr. J.T. LEPPAN of Somerset East.

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned have duly been appointed Executors of the Will and Administrators of the Estate and Effects of the late William OGILVIE Sen. of Graham's Town, deceased, and that all persons indebted to the said Estate are hereby required to pay the amounts of their debts to the last undersigned forthwith, and all those who may have claims against the deceased are also requested to send in the same immediately for adjustment. The Business will for the time being be carried on as usual at the Stores in High Street, Graham's Town.
Eliza OGILVIE
G.E. JOSEPH
William OGILVIE
Joint Ex'rs. Test.

Notice to Creditors in the insolvent estate of William WYNNE, of Fort Beaufort, late Shopkeeper.
All persons claiming to be creditors under this estate are required to take notice that the undersigned has been duly elected to and confirmed in the appointment of Sole Trustee of the said estate, and that the Master has appointed the third meeting to be held before the Resident Magistrate at his office in Graham's Town on
Wednesday 22nd January 1851 at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, for the proof of debts, for receiving the Trustee's report, and also for the purpose of giving directions to the said Trustee as to the management of the said estate.
And all persons indebted to the said estate are required to pay the same to the undersigned on or before the above period at the office of the Eastern Province Trust Company in Graham's Town, or proceedings will be instituted against them.
F. LUCAS

Tuesday 14 January 1851 (supplement)

SOMERSET
January 10th 1851
News has just reached Somerset that BEAR, MOORCROFT and his son are not murdered; I hope this may be true. Hermanus and the Kat River Hottentots have been fighting, but what the result is I know not. The Tambookies are burning everything in Tarka. I have been here now more than a week, endeavouring with CURRIE to raise a Volunteer Corps to go into Kaffirland. We start on the 20th instant with about 300 Burghers and Volunteers (white men) and 100 black men to attack that rascal Hermanus, and from thence into Kaffirland, under William BOWKER, Commandant. A patrole went out the other day to STOCKENSTROM's and the Kaga and has not returned. The people in Somerset are in great alarm – they keep guard all night and patrole the neighbourhood by day. Some of them have sent part of their goods to Graaff-Reinet. We have had beautiful rains, and our prospects look more cheering.

GRAAFF-REINET
January 10th 1851
The bad news of last week has, of course, made us anxious to hear further from you, and from your Frontier generally, but your post due yesterday has not arrived yet. About forty Volunteers start on horseback from this place today, chiefly or almost entirely Englishmen I believe, of the middle classes, whom our Civil Commissioner has supplied with necessaries.
Mr. Octavius BOWKER and Mr. Wm. SHAW are mustering a party of mounted Volunteers, chiefly English; and will proceed to your frontiers almost immediately, either by way of Cradock or Somerset, according to such information as may arrive here.
Most fortunately some heavy rain fell yesterday over this District, or over a considerable tract of country, and the Sundays River is running strong – though still passable for wagons and horses.
I shall send all the people that I can possibly spare from my farms to the war, and go myself as soon as my sheep are shorn. The drought has been sore in the land, most grievous in our parts, and fifty things prevent my leaving at the moment.

WHITTLESEA
Our intelligence from Whittlesea is to the 5th inst. Messrs, BOWKER and LOXTON were still at their post, which they have named Fort Loxton. They were short of ammunition, but were animated by a spirit of cool determined courage which is worthy of general imitation. "We will never surrender, but are determined if they should even dig down our stronghold to die fighting to the last gasp." Two of their scouts had been wounded and the gallant little band were daily expecting a combined attack of Gaikas and Tambookies.

Saturday 18 January 1851

MARRIED at Frankfort D.M. on the 6th October last, Nathan BIRKENRUTH Esq of Graham's Town to Rosa, eldest daughter of J.B. SCHOTTENFELS Esq

DIED on the 10th instant, Mr. Frederick William SHORT, aged 31 years. Deceased had proceeded with some others in search of a number of Kaffirs who were said to be lurking about Salem – and on entering a kloof the party were fired upon by the enemy, and the deceased was unfortunately killed. He leaves a wife, one child, and a large circle of relations and friends to mourn the untimely end of an affectionate husband, kind father and warm friend.

NOTICE
The undersigned, being compelled by the principle of self preservation to prevent the utter destruction of his property by the immense herds of cattle which are daily trespassing thereon, hereby appeals to the sense of justice and good feeling of those who are not insensible to such an appeal, and with respect to the rest, he warns them that their cattle will be forcibly driven off, and if needs be impounded, if they trespass further.
John CARLISLE
4th January 1851

DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP
Notice is hereby given that the partnership existing between the undersigned has this day been dissolved by mutual consent. All debts due to the respective firms may be paid, and all claims sent for adjustment, to either of the undersigned.
Mr. Nicholas Peter KROHN is duly authorised to receive and pay all accounts, referring to the Graham's Town branch.
Chas. MAYNARD, trading in London as MAYNARD Bros & Co
Henry MAYNARD, trading in Graham's Town as C & H MAYNARD & Co
J. BLACKBURN, trading in Cape Town as Josh. BLACKBURN
Graham's Town 31st December 1850

EVENTS OF THE WEEK
Sunday:
This day the mortal remains of Frederick SHORT, which were brought in from Salem on Saturday evening, were committed to the grave – followed by a long train of relatives and friends. Mr. George DENNISON, who was wounded at the time he was killed, came in with the same wagon which brought SHORT's remains. His wounds are very severe. The elbow bone is shattered, the ball gliding off and inflicting a dangerous wound in the body. Hope is entertained of his eventual recovery. It appears they were decoyed into the bush. The Kaffirs gave the patrol a spoor – as it is termed – that is three of their number left the plain imprints of their feet on a path leading to a kloof where their companions lay in ambush. They were apprised of this by the yells and fire of the savages, the wonder being that the survivors escaped and succeeded in bringing out their wounded men.
Monday:
Major SOMERSET CMR and Lt. INGLIS arrived in town on Sunday afternoon from Fort Hare, with despatches from the Governor and also Major-General SOMERSET. Letters were also brought in from Fort Beaufort, detailing the particulars of the fight with Hermanus' Banditti, their perfect defeat, and death of the murderous chief himself. The "General Order" of the Commander in Chief came to hand by this opportunity, and also a Proclamation escheating the land possessed by the Rebel Chief to the Crown. – Found that during the night the whole of the Kaffirs, 42 in number, living among the Fingoes, had been apprehended on a charge of having conspired with the enemy to burn the Fingo huts, murder the women and children, and attack the town. Certain evidence to this effect has been given, it is said, to the Resident Magistrate. The question now is what is to be done with these criminals? The Jail is not large nor strong enough for their confinement, they cannot be tried at present, and we have no means, without more trouble than we can afford, of sending them beyond sea. A military tribunal might dispose of them but at present we must make the best shift we can and risk their breaking prison and committing all the ravages in their power in and about the town.

Saturday 25 January 1851

BIRTH at the Kowie River Town, Albany, January 19th 1851, Mrs. W.F. COCK of a son. Doing well.

A.J. McKENZIE
(Late of Fort Beaufort)
Has the pleasure to announce that he has made arrangements with Mr. MANDY for conducting the hotel in
Bathurst Street, Graham's Town
Generally known by the name of
PINNOCK's HOTEL
These premises are very commodious, possessing suitable rooms for the traveller and good stabling for horses.
Mr. McK will devote his best attention to ensure comfort to all who may favour him with their patronage and support.
The best foreign wines and spirits always on hand.
Tiffins provided every day between 12 and 1 o'clock
The farmers of Lower Albany, Fort Beaufort and the immediate districts on the frontier are solicited to continue their support at this hotel.
A.J.McKENZIE
Graham's Town
January 21 1851

ORSMOND'S HOTEL
East end of New Street, Graham's Town (next Mr. J.B. LEVEY's, tailor)
Fine old wines, spirits, liqueurs, ale, porter &c &c
Well aired beds and excellent stabling.
The commercial and agricultural communities may rely on finding in this establishment all the comforts of a home, and at very moderate charges.
Private apartments if required.
An ordinary every day at 1 o'clock.
Tiffins always ready.
Richard ORSMOND
Accountant and Commercial Agent
Resident as above

Saturday 1 February 1851

DIED at his residence in Graham's Town on Tuesday 28th inst, Mr. Thos. DOYLE. The deceased arrived here at the taking of the Cape by the English and has remained in the Colony ever since. His exemplary Christian conduct for many years, in his humble life, has marked his path – it being known to not a few of the colonists now living. He died in the course of five minutes – full of faith and a hope full of immortality.

CRADOCK
J.C. LOWRIE
Licensed Apothecary, Chemist & Druggist
High Street, Cradock
Feels much pleasure in notifying to the public his having opened a
Chemist and Druggist Establishment
Where every description of
Drugs and Chemicals
Patent Medicines
Perfumery
Brushes &c
And all descriptions of goods usually sold by Chemists can be had of superior and genuine quality and at very moderate charges for cash.
Further particulars will appear in future advertisements
Cradock
January 1st 1850 [sic]

DOINGS IN GRAAFF-REINET
To the Editor: Sir, Conceiving that it may be interesting to your readers to know what measures are in course of progress here for sending assistance to the front, I beg to communicate that on Friday last the Graaff-Reinet European Volunteer Mounted Troop, under the order of Mr. Commandant NUNN, marched from hence to the scene of active operations.
On the 6th instant a ballot took place, when some 125 Burghers and 75 of the coloured population were ordered to hold themselves in readiness to proceed without delay to join the forces at Graham's Town, but in consequence of certain objections raised by Mr. Stephanus MEINTJES, all declined to move off, and the consequence is that, until His Excellency's further instructions to be received in answer to an express despatched to him on the subject by the Civil Commissioner, all further movements are for the present suspended. The Camdebo and Sneuwberg Levies, under the command of their respective field-cornets, arrived here on Saturday last, and for reasons which I am unable to explain these men have also refused to proceed further. Such a state of things is lamentable, particularly now, when alacrity of action, cheerfulness and a ready obedience to orders should be the guiding principles of all. The Camdebo Burghers, after having been supplied with rations for themselves and forage for their horses, at the public expense, returned to their homes! A Hottentot Levy is being formed but the progress making towards its completion is indeed slow. On the first intelligence reaching this place of the Kaffir outbreak, the inhabitants formed themselves into a volunteer corps for the protection of the town, and Mr. MEINTJES was, I am informed, nominated one of its officers. The ballot which subsequently took place it would seem induced him to alter his opinion, and the objections above alluded were started. One would hardly have expected such a course of proceeding from Mr. MEINTJES, judging from the very formidable and warlike figure he cut at the commencement of the war, he appearing in public with a broad belt, containing a large killing-looking knife in a red case.
As a specimen of the management of matters here I may mention that three English sailors who arrived in the village a few days before the ballot took place, and who were evidently ignorant of what they were doing, on refusing to serve were immediately handcuffed and sent to prison, whilst the conduct of others referred to was allowed to pass with impunity.
An English Volunteer

Saturday 8 February 1851

BIRTH at Mount Coke, British Kaffraria, Jan 29th, the wife of Rev. W. SARGEANT of a daughter

DIED at Graaff-Reinet on Wednesday the 8th January 1851, Jacomina Jacoba, the beloved wife of F.R. TE WATER, aged 36 years, 1 month and 5 days, leaving a husband and a minor child, with a large circle of relatives and friends, to deplore her loss. She was a believer in Jesus and her end was peace.

STEAM COMMUNICATION WITH ENGLAND
Last week was signalized by the first earnest of an event which bids fair to be all propitious to the future welfare of this Colony. The first of the Royal Mail Steamers, on the new line established between the Cape and the Mother country, arrived in Table bay in the afternoon of Monday the 27th ult, having made her run from Plymouth in forty days, seven hours, which is regarded as being about five days over the allotted time – very severe weather and adverse winds having been experienced. The vessel which has taken the precedence in opening the line is named the Bosphorus, of small tonnage (530 tons). She is fitted with engines of 80 horse power, and is propelled on the screw principle, by a recently patented description of blade, which offers no resistance to the way while the vessel is under canvass.
It is satisfactory to remark that the speculation is likely to bring in a handsome remuneration to the spirited contractors. The Bosphorus brought several passengers, amongst whom was Captain HAYS, Superintendent of the General Screw Steam Shipping Company's affairs at the Cape. A Lieutenant of the Royal Navy came in charge of the mails. The Steamer sailed again for England last Saturday evening, taking, it is understood, dispatches from His Excellency the Governor to Her Majesty's Government.
An alteration in the rates of postage is made in consequence of the new mode of conveyance, which is set forth in the following Notice, issued from the General Post Office in London in December last:
On and after the 15th instant mails will be made up monthly for the Cape of Good Hope to be conveyed from Plymouth by the packets of the General Screw Steam Shipping Company, under contract with Her Majesty's Government. All letters and newspapers addressed to the Cape of Good Hope, as well as those for Sierra Leone, which have hitherto been sent as a general rule by one of Her Majesty's ships, despatched at the beginning of each month to the West Coast of Africa, will be forwarded on and from the 15th inst by the contract packets from Plymouth, unless specially addressed to be otherwise sent. Letters and newspapers for the Cape de Verd Islands also will be forwarded by the packets, as well as by the new line of Brazil packets about to commence running next month, according as such correspondence may be posted in time for either line of packets........
...The postage chargeable on letters and newspapers, which must in each case be paid in advance, will be as follows, viz:
Letters not exceeding ½oz in weight / Newspapers
Cape of Good Hope 1s / Free
Sierra Leone 1s / Free
Cape de Verd 1s10d / 2d

Saturday 15 February 1851

FRONTIER DISTRICT ORDERS
Camp, Fort Hare, Feb 7th 1851
Mr. James TROLLIP is appointed Lieut. in the Fort Beaufort Fingoes Levy pending the approval of His Excellency the Commander in Chief
By command
C.H. BELL
Lieut, and Adjt. CMR, Field Adjt.

TO LET
A house in Bathurst Street that has been long occupied as an hotel. Possession can be given on the 1st March. Apply to
E.H. DELL
15th Feb 1851

TO BE LET
The house in Bathurst Street at present in the occupation of the owner. It contains five rooms, a garden attached with fruit trees &c, and every convenience behind, with the water laid on. The place is either suitable for shop or private residence. Rent moderate.
Jas. MARSH

Last night shortly after sunset a fine young man named Richard WALKER, son of Mr. WALKER of Farmerfield, was shot by a Kaffir while on his return with four wagons to Port Frances. The wagons had nearly reached Robey's Inn when, on passing the end of a small kloof, branching into Grobbler's Kloof, the shot which struck him was fired, the ball entering the side and passing to the shoulder. An express was immediately sent to Graham's Town for medical aid, and Mr. KNOWLES at once proceeded to the spot. From his report made this morning but slight hopes are entertained of the unfortunate man's recovery. An effort will be made to remove the sufferer to town.

FORT PEDDIE
Extract: 13th Feb
A good many lurking Kaffirs have been seen about here lately, but no damage has been done by them as yet. On the 7th an express arrived from Captain McLEAN with the information that Umlanjeni had crossed the Keiskamma at the Debe River and that he and his cattle, with a number of Tambookies, were at or near the Emtugwa. It was further stated that the Tambookies had visited him for the purpose of obtaining charmsticks. 284 Fingoes marched that night, under the command of Mr. F.C. WEBB, and 11 other Europeans for the purpose of attacking the Kaffirs, but on reaching Umlanjeni's residence no trace could be found of him, although the patrol was made as far as Weslyville Drift. Great praise is due to Mr. E. DRIVER for his able exertions on the occasion – and on every occasion on which he can assist the Governor and Country at this critical moment.

Saturday 22 February 1851

CHRISTENING on the 12th Feb 1851 at Port Elizabeth by the Rev. Mr. Smith, of Dutch Reformed Church Uitenhage, the son of Mr. and Mrs. A. WARES, baptised James Howse.

BIRTH at Colesberg on Saturday 25th Jan, Mrs. John CAMPBELL of a son.

£5 REWARD
Whereas some person either from a dastardly malicious feeling, or in a fit of insanity, has ventured to propagate and to spread false report in Graham's Town, that eight men of the Mounted Rangers under Capt. W. STUBBS, while on patrole on the 19th instant, had been shot by the Kaffirs: Any person giving such information as may lead to the discovery of the offender shall receive the above reward, by application to
Field.Com. STUBBS
21st February 1851

Saturday 1 March 1851

BIRTH at Graham's Town on Friday 28th February 1851, Mrs. Joseph WALKER of a daughter

DIED at Graham's Town on 23rd Feb 1851, after a long and severe illness, Mr. William MAYTHAM, deeply regretted by all who knew him.

Drs. ATHERSTONE and CAMPBELL returned to town today from Oliphant's Hoek, whither they had gone for the purpose of endeavouring to amputate the thigh of Mr. FOTHERINGHAM, whose limb had been frightfully shattered by the accidental discharge of his own gun. We regret that the injury has proved fatal – the sufferer, a very respectable man, having sunk under the exhaustion occasioned by excessive loss of blood, and the want of medical assistance until after the lapse of several hours...Another accident is reported – namely the bursting of a rifle while in the act of being discharged by Mr. S. DELL (Capt. of Ward No. 5) whose hand is severely shattered by the fragments of the barrel, and arm contused by a sharp blow from the lock.

Tuesday 4 March 1851 (supplement)

THE FIVE ENGLISH DESERTERS
To the Editor: Sir, It is both un-English and unjust to condemn anyone without first being proved guilty. It has, however, been done by Mr. CURRIE, who had denounced the men who decamped from Fort Armstrong as cowards, wishing "they may be cut off to a man". It is also unfair to hold these only up to public odium, while other names have also been mentioned in this town with the like odium.
I write this on behalf of one of them, who it is notorious behaved well last war, and who would on no account whatever flinch from danger; "he has the soul of a man and the heart of a true British soldier", and would die first sooner than act ignobly. His name, Sir, is William NOBLE, and whatever mystery is at present over the matter, his conduct will be cleared up if spared. It is reported in this town that those men wanted to dash at the enemy themselves, and because their commandant would not permit it, they retired a short distance. What befell them we know not at present, but the public should suspend their judgement until they hear both sides, and if it should turn out that Mr. CURRIE's statement is correct, then they will justly forfeit "fair renown".
Aspasia
[This letter was received last week but was accidentally omitted in our Saturday's issue. We regret this, inasmuch as we are quite of opinion with the writer, that public sentiment ought to be suspended on this case until further information be had. These men, who stand charged with quitting the field, were as unlikely to do so from fear as any who volunteered. They were men who had been trained to arms, all were in the prime of manhood, they were anxious to go forward, and were apparently as staunch as any men who have been called to or taken the field at this juncture. Until their own explanation be given common justice demands that no judgement be passed upon an act which at present lies buried in great obscurity. – Ed]

RATIONS TO LAAGERS
Mr. C.F. POHL of the Carl's Rust Laager has handed in the following, which we readily publish. It is the duplicate of a letter addressed to the District Civil Commissioner:
Sir, Mr. HARTMAN had made application for rations for this camp, but without success. I, as owner of the place, take the liberty of addressing you on the same subject, and I am sanguine enough to think that together we can substantiate a claim which they Government cannot fairly gainsay.
It must ere this have been manifest to the authorities that Mr. HARTMAN's activity in the whole country round this camp is undeniable. The recapture of the Oliphant's Hoek oxen (150) and the punishment of the enemy is fairly attributable to our patrol. In acting with promptness in conjunction with other laagers, and in forwarding information to fore-lay the enemy, he is indefatigable. But I am constrained to say that almost every stranger in the camp I am obliged to help with the common necessaries of life – even to assist those who have flocks and herds, having left produce behind them in the ground which they were depending upon for the support of their families and people.
I can make any sacrifice, in reason, for public good in forwarding the war defences, and in aiding to bring about a better state of things; but I cannot consent, without a struggle, to be thus crippled in my resources, and run in debt by being obliged to apply (as in last war) to the merchants in Graham's Town for the means of subsistence, which I now possess, but am daily called upon to give away. I am no speculator. In making this application I have no design of making money by the war, out of Government; and I think I may fairly demand that the war in this neighbourhood may not be carried on at my expense to the crippling of my present means of living and assisting, and perhaps to my future ruin, when the struggle is over.
If you don't feel authorised to entertain my claim on your own responsibility, I must respectfully beg that this, my application, may be forwarded to Colonel GARVOCK for His Excellency's information, though I am well aware of the General Orders disallowing rations to Burgher Forces not in the field. If the war be prolonged it will be impossible for private individuals to maintain laagers without assistance, as the keep of so many extra hands will be ruinous if continued.
I remain &c
C.F. POHL
PS. I just learn that the Boers say they will go to Casper BUCHNER's camp, where they can get rations and forage, and without I can get rations for them I shall be obliged to let them go, even though it be to the endangering the lives and property of the camp and of the whole neighbourhood beside.

Saturday 8 March 1851

ADVERTISEMENT
Any person who witnessed the arrest by the military of the person of Henry ULYATE Sen. in the public street of Fort Beaufort will greatly oblige him by calling him and giving him their statement or sending the same to him in writing.
Henry ULYATE
Campbell Street, Fort Beaufort

TO THE LADIES OF GRAHAM'S TOWN
Mrs. HALLAWAY, laundress, lately from England where she has had experience in getting up all kinds of linen, solicits a share of public patronage, that she may be enabled to provide for her family, who have been bereaved of an affectionate father since their arrival in this country.
Place of residence: New Street, opposite the Prince Albert Hotel

Court of Combined Magistrates, Orange River Sovereignty
It is ordered that Anthony J. O'REILLY Jun Esq be admitted to practice as an Attorney of this court, and entered on the Roll accordingly
By order
H.J. HALSE, Registrar
Court Room, Smithfield
November 16th 1850

Saturday 15 March 1851

PUBLIC MEETING
A public meeting of the inhabitants of Graham's Town will be held in the Court Room on Wednesday the 19th instant at 4 o'clock precisely to consider the propriety of Memorialising the Governor to appoint a Commission to enquire into the causes of the Rebellion at the Kat River Settlement.
Parties from the country who are anxious to avail themselves of this opportunity to express their sentiments are invited to attend.
George WOOD
Thomas NELSON
K. KNOTT
R. SPARKS
George KNOTT
B. KNOTT
H. FULLER
W. WEDDERBURN Sr.
Richard ORSMOND
John GLASS
George NICHOLLS
W.M. JAFFRAY
W. SHEPHERD
James TEMLETT
G. WOOD Jun.
Thomas PHILLIPS
W. COCK
Charles POTE
Edmund L. KIFT
H. BLAINE
P.W. LUCAS
W.R. THOMPSON
James BLACK
Charles MAYNARD
W. WRIGHT
S.D. MANDY
D.H. KENNELLY
John E. WOOD
Henry NOURSE
R. JARVIE
GODLONTON & WHITE

PUBLIC MEETING AT SOMERSET
Resolutions passed at a meeting held in the Government School Room, Somerset East
10th March 1851
Proposed by Mr. PERKINS and seconded by Mr. R. VEITCH
That this meeting beg to congratulate His Excellency the Governor and the Colonists on the signal victory obtained over the rebel Hottentots, which has in part restored tranquillity to the Frontier districts.
Proposed by Mr. W. SMITH and seconded by Mr. E. SMITH
That this meeting beg to convey to His Excellency the Governor their sympathy for the embarrassing circumstances which surround him, and humbly assure him that they will co-operate in such measures as he may adopt for the defence of the Frontier.
Proposed by Mr. B. SOLOMON and seconded by Mr. William CURRIE
That this meeting is of the opinion that to preclude any repetition of the recent Rebellion in the Kat River and adjacent native locations it is necessary to break up the same by confiscating the moveable and immoveable property of the Rebels, thereby preventing the re-assembling together of such disloyal subjects as have taken part in the late Rebellion.
Proposed by Mr. Herbert BROWNE and seconded by Mr. P. CAMPBELL
That this meeting is of the opinion that a searching investigation is necessary into the conduct of the Ministers and others of influence at the Kat River and adjacent native locations, as to their being aware of the disloyalty existing amongst the inhabitants thereof, and if cognizant of the same, why due intimation was not made to the proper authorities.
Proposed by Mr. C.M. CROESER and seconded by Mr. Job HARVEY
That this meeting implore His Excellency to take such steps in the disposal of the Rebel prisoners as shall effectually deter others of their class from again perpetrating such ruthless destruction of life and property as that in which they have lately been wantonly engaged.
Proposed by Mr. T.J. CALDECOTT and seconded by Mr. T. GYFFORD
That this meeting beg to thank His Excellency the Governor for the energetic measures he has already used in the prosecution of the war.
George Edw. JOSEPH
Chairman

Saturday 22 March 1851

MARRIED at Commemoration Chapel on Thursday 13th instant by the Rev. W. Shaw, Superintendent of Wesleyan Missions, South Africa, John Edwin WOOD Esq, second son of G. WOOD Esq, merchant, to Charlotte, third daughter of W. WRIGHT Esq.

Saturday 29 March 1851

DIED at Fort Beaufort on Monday 24th inst, Philip Henry, infant son of H. ROBERTSON Esq, Dep.Asst.Com.General, aged 19 days

DIED at Graham's Town after a severe illness, George David HILL, third son of John and Celia Jane HILL, aged 14 years and 8 months. His end was peace and perfect resignation to the will of God.
March 28th 1851

THE ALLEDGED DESERTION IN THE KAT RIVER
Cradock, 3rd February 1851
To the Editor: Sir, In justification of myself and my companions I beg of you to publish the enclosed affidavit
I have &c &c
Charles KIRKMAN
I, Charles KIRKMAN of Graham's Town, do solemnly and sincerely declare that I belonged to Walter CURRIE Esq's Burghers, and that on the 21st Feb last we left Post Retief, with a number of Mr. RYNEVELD's Burghers, to go to Kat River: that we went through the mountains, and in sight of Balfour we were compelled to go in single file, and so soon we got on level ground we were each engaged actively with the enemy. On the western side of Balfour, near the kraal and among the thorn bushes, John NILAND was shot through the head – he was about 6 yards from me. I got off my horse and knelt over him and said "NILAND, where are you shot?" He was lying on his back, he made no answer to me, he merely gasped. Wm. NOBLE, who was next to NILAND, said "oh have YOU got it?" and then shot the Kaffir who had shot NILAND.
The commando mustered about 800 men, they were mixed, and Mr. RYNEVELD, a Commandant whom we knew, ordered and led us to scour a part of the bush. J.THORPE. EDWARDS, NOBLE and NOAH and some Dutch Burghers were in front; we saw a number of Kaffirs and Hottentots on the right calling out to cut us off – our party was about 100.
The body of the Burghers were engaged at Balfour, and when the cry got up the bulk of our hundred, led by RYNEVELD, fled back towards Balfour, so we were entirely cut off and could not return to our command. We then had no alternative, we rode on to Post Retief. I had 55 rounds of ball cartridge in my pouch when I started, I had only 7 when I arrived at the Post.
Next day THORPE, EDWARDS, NOBLE and NOAH joined the command. My horse was knocked up, I tried to buy a horse to join them, but could not, which the Commandant of the post can prove – I was compelled to remain there. When Thomas NILAND came to enquire about the death of his brother he lent me a horse. On my arrival here I learned that a scandalous report of the foregoing transaction had been published in the Graham's Town Journal, and I lost no time to contradict it.
All this, in the plain and ordinary meaning of the words, I declare to be the truth, and nothing but the truth.
Charles KIRKMAN
Declared and signed before me at Cradock this 4th Day of March 1851
W.T. GILFILLAN JP

BATHURST
The following information dated 26th inst came to hand today.
On Sunday a number of Kaffirs, some say 20, others 30, plundered Mr. PURDON's house and took a wagon load of maize from his field. On Monday they took a mare and foal from TIMM's camp and three horses from Bathurst. On Tuesday they got clear off with nine good horses from Bathurst and 34 head of cattle were taken from Mr. BERRINGTON's kraal at Port Frances. Some of them (the enemy) shot at the huts, while the others drove off the cattle. At the same time six of BOWKER's horses were taken out of the kraal in the night. We are so crippled with these losses, and what few horses are left are so poor that the Kaffirs may take the whole of the cattle whenever they choose. On Thursday the party, composed of men from the various camps, retook BERRINGTON's cattle near FRAZER's camp – one man named PRITCHARD being wounded in the hip. J. BRENT and two others were returning about midnight , and when within 800 yards of TIMM's camp, were surprised by a volley fired so close that the flash of the powder enabled them to see each other. The spoor is seen in several parts of the village this morning, and we are expecting warm work.